Most of the new arrivals at Orangutan Foundation International’s (OFI) Orangutan Care Center and Quarantine (OCCQ) are young, orphaned orangutans. The caregivers at the OCCQ take these orangutans in and raise them like they are their own children. In the wild, the bond between mother and baby orangutan is incredibly strong. This bond must be emulated at the OCCQ because it is this bond that will provide the love and support needed during an orangutan’s first few years. During this time, it is also very important that the young orangutans socialize with each other. Many orangutans have friends that they play with, but it is rare that they are inseparable. Jessica and Weyerhauser are two such rarities.

  Orangutan of the Month   Care Center, Orangutan, by Kylie Grace.

When I first saw Victor ambling down the boardwalk at the Orangutan Care Center and Quarantine (OCCQ), the first thing I noticed was his smile. His mouth is almost always turned up at the corners and looks like a slow smile is about to spread across his face. As I have gotten to know Victor better, I have learned that this smiley guy is an incredibly clever and gentle orangutan. Victor arrived at the OCCQ [...]

  Orangutan of the Month   Care Center, OCCQ, Orangutan, rehabilitation, by Kylie Grace.

Maxine is one of the most clever orangutans I have met at the Orangutan Care Centre and Quarantine (OCCQ). One would guess that her favourite enrichment item would be a complex puzzle feeder or an intricately wrapped parcel of leaves but Maxine prefers a simple burlap sack. While other orangutans often rip apart burlap sacks, Maxine keeps hers completely intact and makes sure that nothing happens to it for weeks! She sits on it, puts [...]

  Orangutan of the Month   Care Center, Orangutan, by Britta Nelson.